The Tories claim that by “centralising” and “consolidating” services into large hubs they will improve patient care. While it’s true that some procedures, such as dealing with stroke patients, are best done in larger hubs, the Tories plan wholesale cuts.

The plans are premised on shifting the burden of care onto “primary care” that’s provided in the community. But the Tories have butchered local authorities’ social care budgets, fuelling the NHS crisis.

To beat the Tories’ attacks, we have to unite against their attempts to divide us. There is already growing resistance.

Health campaigners have forced some, mainly Labour-run, local councils to refuse to sign off on the STPs. This is a major roadblock to pushing them through and more councils should be pushed into doing so.

The national demonstration today has to be launch-pad for a mass movement in defence of the NHS.